Too many are just ignorant of history

Monday

Apr 7, 2014 at 12:01 AMApr 7, 2014 at 3:23 PM

The truth is that Americans who aren’t tuned in to Internet sites that allow the truth to be reported are being misled by a biased mainstream media and their own lack of knowledge about U.S. and world history.

Ronald Riggs Sr.

To the editor:

The truth is that Americans who aren’t tuned in to Internet sites that allow the truth to be reported are being misled by a biased mainstream media and their own lack of knowledge about U.S. and world history.

Herman Cain, a black American, recently reported that he had a caller to his show that excoriated him for being a Republican and informed him that “no self-respecting black man would support the Republican Party” because it is the party of Jesse Helms and Strom Thurmond.

Cain replied to this individual with the following history:

First of all, the Strom Thurmond that people associate with racism and segregation was a Democrat during that time.

In 1865 came the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery: 100 percent of the Republicans voted for it; and only 23 percent of Democrats voted for it.

In 1868 came the 14th Amendment, which provided former slaves with full citizenship, due process, and equal protection of the laws: 94 percent the Republicans voted for it; none of the Democrats did.

Then in 1870 came the 15th Amendment, which gave former slaves the right to vote: 100 percent of the Republicans voted for it; and again none of the Democrats voted for it.

Then in 1964, when the Civil Rights Acts passed: 79 percent of the Republicans supported it; and only 64 percent of the Democrats supported it.

In 2010, Obama-care was shoved down our throats and no Republicans voted for it, while 86 percent of the Democrats voted for it.

Then Cain asked this person, “So how can a self-respecting black man support the Republican Party? I have a better question, “How can a self-respecting black man spout off on a radio show without knowing the facts?”

Come on America, if you love America and your grandchildren, get the facts and let’s take America back from these career politicians.

Oh, yes, and speaking of Sen. Jesse Helms, I haven’t found another politician who amounts to a hill of beans next to him. He was a great people person, and when you spoke to him, you got action and a real answer.